These events will be held on 28th September 2016 at BMICH Colombo in parallel with the United Nations World Tourism Day Celebrations.
Consolidating the boom in the tourism development in the country and the tourism development activities in the country Department of Economics, University of Colombo initiated The Tourism Leader’s Summit in 2015.
Since then, the university has been working towards a clear vision to build a strong network amongst the key industry leaders and major stake holders of Sri Lanka Tourism, targeting to develop Sri Lanka as one of the most sought after High – End and Value for Money Travel Destination in the World by 2020.
The International Research Symposium under the theme of “Integrating and Networking Sri Lanka Tourism Development for All” is scheduled to be held on 28th of September 2016.
This event will be graced by professor Lakshman Dissanayake, Vice Chancellor of University of Colombo, Mr. Paddy Withana, Chairman of SLTDA and distinguished individuals such as eminent academics (Vice Chancellors), researchers from the UK, France, India, Thailand, Malaysia and Dubai whose key findings of Scientific research and the industry expertise (e.g. Representatives from the World Tourism Organizations) will be presented.
This symposium will be one of the most reliable platforms to gather knowledge in shaping the tourism industry of Sri Lanka.
Professor Dr. Sandeep Kulshreshtha of Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management will comment on Comprehensive Implementation of Accessibility of Tourism for All.
Tourism Leader’s Summit will include several panel discussions on timely issues and concerns for tourism as a whole.
Dr. Rohantha Athukorala, Chairman Lanka Sathosa Limited/former Chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau will be chairing the panel Discussion on Comprehensive Implementation of Accessibility for the Community and Well-being, Raising Awareness, Tourism Promotion and Direction of Tourism Development.
Strategic Collaboration for Public, Private and People Partnership Tourism Development, Comprehensive Implementation of Accessibility of Tourism for All, Legal and Administrative Framework for of Tourism for Fair Treatment for All, Promoting Universal Tourism Accessibility for All, Global Best Practices and Strategic policy Decisions, 4th Industrial Revolution, Promoting Tourism Products; communication and promotion policy and advertising will be some of the topics that has been addressed during the Tourism Leader’s Summit 2016.
Dr. Sanjaya Nadkarni – Director of Research & Innovation Centre of the Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management, Professor Dr. Pradeep Nair, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Taylor’s University Malaysia, Professor Dr. Therdchai Choibamroong, Dean of School of Tourism Management, NIDA Thailand, Professor S. P. Bansal, Vice Chancellor of Indira Gandhi State University - India, Professor Dr. Syed Rashudul Hasan of Department of Tourism & Hospitality Management, University of Dhaka, Professor Dr. Wang Chunhong, Vice Dean of School of International Education – China, Professor Dr. Zhang Xingguo, Vice Director of Tianjin Polytechnic University – China will be our distinguished Speakers of the Summit.
Dr. D. A. C. Suranga Silva, founder and the Coordinator of Tourism Study Program of the Department of Economics said:
"Following the successful summit held last year, we have undoubtedly established a secure foundation for the industry personnel to develop a constructive dialogue for tourism development in Sri Lanka.
We consider it is our national duty and responsibility to further strengthen this platform to contribute to the National Economy."
